Government support for men: window dressing or real change?
In November 2024, the Office of the Prime Minister (Gender and Child Affairs), in Trinidad and Tobago, had the vision to establish a Men’s Bureau. This is certainly a vital platform for men’s voices and could complement the work of those who are championing the rights of males and helping create a better society. Indeed, the Bureau could certainly play a role in fostering a supportive environment for males who need help or feel marginalized.
The Bureau has four objectives, and the third and fourth of these objectives are “To offer tailored programmes that address mental health, employment, family life, and masculinity” and “To support national development goals by promoting gender equality and male empowerment.”
These are noteworthy objectives but a major question is how would these programmes be assessed and funded? For example, in the third objective, will masculinity be addressed as a strength or treated as if it’s a problem? Furthermore, the diverse culture and family life of men would need special efforts to deal with issues of single fathers coping to raise children and fathers who have disabilities. In the fourth objective, the topic of male empowerment needs to be properly defined. How could men who are marginalized or alienated and ex-prisoners be returned to mainstream society.
The achievement of gender equality is a noble gesture. However, if men demand equality they could be mocked. Men who demand their rights are often accused of being misogynistic or sexist. Some males who dare ask for respect of personal boundaries are often accused of trying to uphold patriarchy.
The creation of a Men’s Bureau in any country has a crucial role to help develop and guide a generation of future men of substance and calibre. These positive male role models will demand justice and protect the weak and vulnerable. We need all hands-on deck to deal with the epidemic of violence, inequality and other social problems.
In nearby Caribbean countries there have been efforts to have an official representation of men. For instance, in Jamaica there is the Special Service Desk for Men, located at the offices of the Bureau of Gender Affair. This special desk was established in 2016 and among its roles include “…parenting, health, education and the role of men in the elimination of violence against women, among others.” Interestingly, no mention is made of the elimination of violence against men. The past achievements of this Special Desk include “hosting of school sensitisation sessions, and community activities on domestic violence and other gender-related issues”
In Guyana, the Men Affairs Bureau was launched in 2011 to help males. Delivering the feature address at the launch was President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, who warned, “Even now, there’s so much pressure on our boys and not just in school but in society. I think there’s a big fear it’s leading to the ‘effeminisation’ of men…. If we don’t have that support we will succumb more and more to this process of ‘effeminisation’ of men.”
Whilst some are focusing on addressing men’s issues, we should ask is there sufficient financial resources in a Men’s Bureau or Men’s Department in a government agency to deal with issues affecting boys and male teenagers. Ideally, these new services should include connecting with boys and men in homes, schools, workplaces, communities, towns and villages.
Despite apparent shortcomings, credit must be given to the collaborations and great initiatives of the Men’s Bureau of Trinidad and Tobago, and the work being achieved in other Caribbean countries. The Men’s Bureau has to potential to expand and be that catalyst to allow all men to become proactive in addressing their mental, emotional and physical health. This self-awareness and care is important for our men to become holistic citizens capable of contributing to a better Caribbean.
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Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, legal advice, or other professional opinion. Never disregard such advice because of this article or anything else you have read from the Centre for Male Psychology. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of, or are endorsed by, The Centre for Male Psychology, and we cannot be held responsible for these views. Read our full disclaimer here.
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Jerome Teelucksingh
Dr Jerome Teelucksingh is a Senior Lecturer in History at the University of the West Indies, specialising in the history of Afro-Caribbean intellectuals and activists, and author of several papers and books. His interests include masculinity, and he is recognised as having rejuvenated the floundering International Men’s Day in 1999, choosing November 19th in honour of his father's birthday, as well as initiating the World Day of the Boy Child (May 16th).